JACKSON LIVE IN CONCERT WITH CJ REVIEW at the Alban Arena, Friday, October 26th

I had tickets to see Michael Jackson’s This Is It show at the O2 in late 2009 and was really looking forward to seeing the superstar for the first time. But it was never to happen as Michael died tragically at the age of 50 that same year.

Michael Jackson might be gone but his wonderful music lives on thanks to performers like CJ who brought his show-stopping production to the stage of the Alban Arena on Friday, October 26.

The spectacular show, a kind of cross between a Michael Jackson concert and a stage production, is truly sensational.

CJ has the not-inconsiderable support of four well-drilled girl dancers , a top-class four-piece backing band, plus dazzling lighting effects and video footage shown on a big screen and keeping everything in context.

CJ thrilled the St Albans audience with his breathtaking dance routines which were staggeringly authentic.

CJ has mastered the maestro’s dance moves and his singing wasn’t bad either and he gyrated and moonwalked his way through most of Michael’s best-known numbers – starting with Scream and following it with They Don’t Care About Us, Wanna Be Starting Something, Dirty Diana, Black And White, Human Nature – yes, the hits went on and on.

CJ gives it his all during every song combining his dancing skills with an acceptable vocal impression of the late Mr J.

There were numerous costume changes too as CJ likes to look the part of his hero and meticulously choosing the right jackets and jeans..

A lengthy tribute to the Jackson Five was highly enjoyable but highlight of the show was a nerve-tingling seven minute version of the classic Thriller, complete with Vincent Price’s eerie voiceover.

By the time CJ performed Billie Jean and Beat It many in the audience (who included lots of children enjoying their half-term) were on their feet.

The only disappointment was that CJ finished the show with The Earth Song and Heal The World, two mawkish ballads (and he came up with some naff dialogue). I think this brilliant singer and dancer should have ended with a stomper to leave the audience shouting for more.

REVIEW OVERVIEW

Overall

SUMMARY

Top quality tribute act, providing a spectacular show paying homage to a pop superstar.

Colin Fenn has been a professional DJ and journalist for 40 years. He has written for and edited several local newspapers; reviewed for a national TV Listings magazine; has had movie and music columns in newspapers throughout the UK; and has written reviews for Lemonrock for ten years. Colin runs his own disco business playing at family parties, schools, children’s events and Care Homes.

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The Alban Arena is a venue with a rich history of welcoming touring acts, some of which have gone on to world-wide fame - such as Dire Straits, who played there in 1978. I saw the legendary Rory Gallagher there in 1988, more recently The Waterboys and The Gorillaz have graced the stage. It is maybe a sign of the times that more tribute bands than original artists perform there these days. So when two of the UKs most respected musical artists were coming to the Alban Arena it was likely to be an evening not to be missed!